Amsterdam holidays

Amsterdam may not be the first place people think of for beaches, but its shoreline spots are some of the city’s most underrated attractions. Natural strips of sand draw watersports enthusiasts who know where to find the best wind and waves, while man‑made city beaches pop up each summer, offering sunbathing, swimming, and relaxed waterfront hangouts.

Zandvoort aan Zee is just a 30‑minute drive from Amsterdam, making it one of the most accessible coastal escapes in the region. Its popular wide swathes of soft sand are a major draw for both locals and visitors, creating plenty of space for sunbathing, relaxing, and long seaside walks. The beach is also a hotspot for watersports, with ideal conditions for kitesurfing, wave surfing, and SUP (stand‑up paddleboarding) throughout much of the year. Beachfront bars and restaurants also feature.

Pllek, set on the creative NDSM wharf, blends Amsterdam’s industrial past with its modern cultural scene. The wharf once operated as a major shipyard before closing in the 1980s, after which artists transformed the area into one of the city’s cultural hubs. Pllek itself is a standout spot – a restaurant built from recycled shipping containers with a spacious outdoor terrace overlooking the water. Its biggest draw in summertime is the urban beach, where soft sand and giant beanbags create a relaxed, laidback setting for enjoying drinks by the waterfront.

The IJ Hallen flea market is one of Amsterdam’s best spots for bargain hunters, offering a huge monthly market set inside an old shipbuilding warehouse on the trendy NDSM wharf. Its vast layout makes it easy to spend hours browsing, with stalls selling antiques, furniture, and an impressive selection of vintage clothing. Many visitors come specifically for the chance to uncover unique pieces, and there are plenty of hidden treasures if you’re willing to sift through the racks and tables.

Amsterdam’s main shopping street – The Kalverstraat – is packed with European high street staples, like H&M, Zara, and Esprit. Independent Dutch shops rub shoulders with the big brands, too, and are great for finding new favourites.

The P.C. Hooftstraat has been a cornerstone of Amsterdam’s luxury shopping scene since the 1970s, thanks to its prime location just steps from the Museumplein. This prestigious street is lined with high‑end designer boutiques, including internationally renowned names like Hugo Boss, Dolce & Gabbana, and Hermes, making it one of the city’s top destinations for upscale fashion.

Concertgebouw is one of Amsterdam’s most elegant night out options. It’s been going since 1881 and is now the second most‑visited concert hall in the world, drawing major names in classical music. For something more unconventional, the Supperclub – a restaurant-cum-theatre – serves a chef’s‑choice menu while you relax on a double bed and watch live performances. Across the city, swanky rooftop bars and cosy courtyards offer even more stylish evening spots.

Rembrandtplein began as a butter and dairy market in 1688, but today it’s one of Amsterdam’s top nightlife hubs. The square is packed with bars and clubs offering something for every type of partygoer, and its central location makes it especially convenient – many of the city’s night buses depart from here, keeping the area lively well into the early hours. For a different kind of night out, Amsterdam’s canal party boats let you dance on the water while taking in the city’s illuminated canals.

Amsterdam’s street‑side kiosks are known for serving thick Dutch fries in a warm, easy‑to‑carry paper cone, perfect for snacking as you explore the city. One of the most popular choices is Patatje Oorlog, where the fries are topped with a bold mix of satay sauce, mayonnaise, and raw onions. The combination might sound unusual, but it’s a classic Dutch flavour pairing that really works.

Bitterballen are what the Dutch might like to snack on instead of peanuts and crisps, and you can grab them at most bars to go with your drink. They’re made up of seasoned beef or veal meatballs mixed with butter. Then they’re deep-fried in breadcrumbs and served with mustard for dipping.

Amsterdam’s bars almost always have the city’s most famous local beer on tap – a lager first brewed here in the 1800s. When it’s poured correctly, you won’t get a completely full glass. Instead, it’s topped with a thick foam ‘hat’ that keeps the beer extra‑bubbly and fresh. Many visitors mistake this for being short‑served, but the Dutch see the foam as an essential part of the drink’s quality.

Amsterdam’s sweeter street food scene isn’t complete without poffertjes, the mini Dutch treats that are a doughnut-pancake hybrid. A portion usually comes with around a dozen bite‑sized, fluffy pieces, all served warm and topped with melted butter and a generous dusting of icing sugar. You can find them at a traditional Dutch pancake house or grab them on the go from a kiosk while exploring the city.

The rijsttafel, a Dutch‑Indonesian fusion, offers a true taste of the Netherlands’ cultural history. This dish dates back to the 19th and 20th centuries, when Indonesia was a Dutch colony. Ordering a rijsttafel means enjoying a large selection of small plates – almost like Dutch‑Indonesian tapas – served alongside plenty of steamed rice.